Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken

Like many of you, I am always looking for nourishing, simple, flavorful recipes that taste delicious but don’t take up too much of my time. Don’t get me wrong, I love to linger over a slow braise or all day sauce as much as the next Slow Food member, but some nights just don’t allow that luxury of time. Recipes that can do double duty for weeknights as well as entertaining are even more cherished. This chicken recipe from Ina Garten, aka Barefoot Contessa, fits the bill.

I’ve made it twice now, and each time it’s been stunning. The first time I made it exactly as is. The second I futzed slightly, but only by omitting ground oregano and fresh thyme and using just fresh oregano instead. I also allowed the chicken to marinade for a while in the fridge, instead of putting it directly in the oven. Both versions were most excellent. It reminds me of a slightly more elegant version of the Chicken Oreganato I grew up eating. Another thing I like about this dish is that it goes well with any number of sides, so you can dress it up or down depending on your mood. Roasted, steamed, or sautéed vegetables, potatoes in any form, a simple salad, lentils, couscous, pasta, or just about any grain would all feel equally at home on the plate.

I’m not going to post the recipe here since I did so little to alter it. But Barefoot Contessa has generously shared it on her own site, so you can find the recipe there.(It seems to be off her site but on Food Network, so I’ve linked there below.) I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Also, for some fun stuff – Easy Foodsmith and Healthy Foodie Travels both passed on the Fabulous Blog Award to me this month and I couldn’t be more honored! I am a huge fan of both of their blogs – if you haven’t visited them before, please do!

Finally, a fellow Anglo-Israeli food blogger Hannah Katsman of Cooking Manager interviewed me on her blog! Check it to here and say hi.

Post navigation

82 thoughts on “Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken”

Good recipe. Essentially a classic chicken sauté, but done in the oven instead of on the stove top. Actually I think if I were to do this, I’d sauté the chicken breasts in the olive oil for a few minutes to brown, add the rest of the ingredients, and cover and braise until done – maybe 30 minutes? But your version is so pretty, I’d probably try that first!

I made this dish for dinner tonight and it was divine. Perfect weeknight (or weekend) meal. I added some sliced kumquats and limequats (a new find) instead of the lemon wedges and that added even more delicious citrus. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Oh yay!! I am so happy to hear that. I love the addition of kumquats and limequats. Brilliant! We get tons of limequats here but I only just learned that’s what they were called! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out. Have a great weekend!

Love chicken and lemon together … I make a similar dish often … sometimes I dust the chicken with flour … sometimes I make a roux, but always add lemon juice at the end … I make it on the stove though … will try this one … as always love your posts!

A terrific recipe! …and your pictures are stunning! Congratulations on your awards – well deserved! I like your small change of removing thyme and using straight oregano. I like both of them, but a little thyme goes a LONG way!

I have to agree with everyone, Chicken and lemons are a winner, In fact I roast whole chickens stuffed with lemons, and braised with lemon juice. lovely, and good. thank you for bringing this recipe to us.. c

Yes, this is definitely healthier than the deep fried version! 😉 I’m so happy to have introduced you to Ina Garten, I’m sure you will love her. She’s one of the few Food Network chefs that I really like.

I am a huge fan of such simple and flavourful dishes which are quick to fix. Your clicks of the chicken are awesome. You won’t believe this but I have never tried an Ina Garten dish though I have seen a few fellow bloggers adapting her recipes. Guess I need to join the tribe soon 🙂

Hi Katherine,
I was planning on making this last night for dinner but ended up cooking something I ate at my local grocery store. I cannot wait to make this dish after seeing this post. Will be trying it out soon.
The chicken looks so moist and flavorful. I love Ina Garten, nothing to beat her recipes.